For America250, which phrase became the opening name for the new nation in the Declaration of Independence?

For America250, “United States of America” became the new nation’s name in the Declaration of Independence.

The phrase appears in the document’s formal heading and identifies the political community acting through the Continental Congress. The Declaration’s closing section also speaks of the “United States of America” as independent states with powers to conduct war, make peace, form alliances, and regulate commerce.

The wording reflected both unity and plurality. “States” acknowledged that the former colonies claimed separate state identities, while “United” expressed their common political cause. The name was later used in the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

The Declaration also uses “United Colonies” earlier in its text, so the two expressions can be confused. “United States of America” is the enduring national name. The document did not create the modern federal government in its final constitutional form; that government emerged later under the Constitution, effective in 1789.